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Seashore is a simple, lightweight, open-source image editor designed for macOS. It’s fast, simple, includes core editing features (layers, gradients, alpha channels), and is perfect for quick design modifications or pixel-level edits.
But if you’re a Windows user, you’ve probably noticed one unfortunate roadblock: there is no Seashore for your PC.
And this can be particularly frustrating if you’re used to the program’s simple UI or, even worse, if you collaborate with someone who uses it regularly. Luckily, there are good options to allow you to run Seashore on your Windows PC, without buying a Mac.
The good news? There are reliable solutions. In this article, we will learn about three solid methods for using the app: looking for a Seashore alternative for Windows, simulating macOS, and the quickest possible method – renting a virtual Mac for Seashore.
Why You Can’t Install Seashore Natively on Windows
Seashore was created using technologies specific to macOS. Cocoa and Quartz are both frameworks that do not work on Windows, yet are integral to Seashore’s operations.
This is why there is no standalone version of Windows – and probably won’t be any soon. If you’re interested in using Seashore, you must consider one of three options we’ll discuss below.
3 Ways to Run Seashore on Windows
While Seashore is a macOS-only program, there are ways to gain access from a Windows computer:
Option 1: Run a macOS Virtual Machine
You can run macOS on a Windows PC using VirtualBox or VMware. Once your virtual machine is set up, you can install and use Seashore like a normal Mac.
However, there are significant limitations with this approach:
- It is not supported legally under Apple’s terms.
- You need to go through a complicated setup, including a macOS installer.
- You will have poor computer performance, especially with graphics-heavy tasks.
- No GPU acceleration will cause crashing in your workflow.
This option is probably not worth the hassle unless you are a technical expert.
Option 2: Renting a Virtual Mac for Seashore
Renting a virtual Mac is the most reliable way to run Seashore on a Windows PC through any cloud-based service like rentamac.io. This method gives you access to a real instance of macOS, which means no emulators, no dubious exploits, and no hassle.
The process is much different from that of running a macOS virtual machine. You simply rent a real, dedicated Mac in the cloud. You log into the Mac, open the App Store, and download Seashore in minutes.
Why Is This The Best Option
- 100% Legal: Unlike macOS virtual machines, which violate Apple’s licensing, you are compliant with renting a real Mac in the cloud. You are using real Apple hardware, it is just remote.
- Any Device, Any Time: Once logged in, you can access the remote Mac from any Windows PC using AnyDesk remote desktop app, as long as you have an internet connection. We’ll cover this part more deeply in the next section.
- No Technical Setup: You never have to manually install the macOS platform or download illegal ISO files over some shady torrent. The service handles the setup process for you. You simply choose your rental plan, get your login credentials, and get to work!
- Optimized for Performance: Cloud-based Macs are optimized for performance and are hardware-accelerated instead of virtual machines. Seashore operates seamlessly on cloud-based Macs – even with large files and layers.
- Access to All macOS Image Editor Tools: In addition to Seashore, you can utilize your rented Mac to install other macOS-only programs, like Omnigraffle, Pixelmator Pro, Sketch, or Affinity Photo, making it a long-term creative or development environment.
- Secure: RentAMac.io is run on secure infrastructure with data encryption and privacy protection. Plans may scale according to RAM, storage, or processing needs, either as an individual user or when managing a team.
Option 3: Use a Different Tool
If you’re set on staying native to Windows, we do have some good Seashore alternatives for Windows:
- GIMP – Full-featured, free, open-source editing software, but somewhat advanced.
- Krita – Very good for digital painting and layer-based work.
Although none of these tools are exact copies of Seashore’s simplicity, they are good substitutes that can accomplish most of the same tasks.
How to Run Seashore on Windows with RentAMac.io
Step 1: Pick a Plan
Head over to RentAMac.io and choose any plan that suits you. You can pay with a credit card, Apple Pay, Amazon Pay, and link.
Step 2: Get Connected
Once you sign up, you will receive login credentials and instructions on connecting to your Mac mini in the cloud. You will use AnyDesk, a secure remote desktop, to control your Mac from Windows.
Simply install AnyDesk on your Windows PC, enter the provided AnyDesk ID, and use the corresponding password to access your rented, dedicated Mac environment.
Step 3: Connect to your Virtual Mac
Download AnyDesk, then enter the ID and password given to you, and in a few seconds, you will be inside your macOS, with no complicated installs.
Step 4: Download Seashore and Go
Then, open the App Store, download Seashore, and you’re ready to edit! You can save your files in the cloud to easily access them from Windows.
Who Is This For?
Seashore is suitable for:
- Designers new to image editing who want a simple, intuitive app
- Students needing lightweight graphics tools for projects
- Content creators creating blog images, social posts, or thumbnails
- Developers tweaking UI elements or testing out macOS-native designs
- Users who are overwhelmed by alternatives and want an easier app
Conclusion
Whether you choose a Seashore option for Windows, emulate macOS with a VM, or just use the tried and trusted route and choose a Virtual Mac for Seashore, you can still take advantage of Seashore’s editing experience.
The easiest way to run Seashore on Windows is via RentAMac.io, which allows you to run the Seashore app easily with no Mac required.
FAQ
- Can I use Seashore for Windows?
Not directly. Seashore only functions on macOS, but you can run it on Windows by options like renting a virtual Mac through RentAMac.io.
- Is there a Seashore alternative for Windows?
Yes. You can try GIMP and Krita. These are some popular image editing tools that offer similar features.
- Is using a Virtual Mac legal?
Yes. Renting a real Mac in the cloud follows Apple’s licensing rules. This can’t be said about setting up a local virtual machine.
